The Penn State Memorial at the University Park Campus on Pollock Road, bearing the name Veterans Plaza, gives an emotional representation of the bravery and commitment of Penn State students who have been in military service. The official opening of the monument took place on September 14, 2011, turning it into a memorial not only of remembrance but also a place of gratitude, where the memory of the heroes who had so courageously defended their country was honoured (Waldhier, 2012). The main aim of this essay is to show how this memorial’s symbolism and material aspects are used to celebrate the veterans of PSU alumni, looking at its symbolism and the experience of it as a physical space as well.
The Veterans Plaza Memorial at Penn State University’s University Park Campus stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance and appreciation for veterans of Penn State, and its symbolism is reflected through its size, shape, colour, inscriptions and others. First, the size of the memorial impresses us, letting us realize the extent of the sacrifices of Penn State veterans (Zagacki & Gallagher, 2018). Encompassing a large tract of space at the crossroads of Pollock Road and the Henderson Mall, its massive imprint attracts attention as a tribute to the selflessness of those who offered their service to their country. Furthermore, the memorial’s shape impacts the way the monument is interpreted by being symbolic. Walking around the circular path and the curved stone wall, one can feel being in a sacred bubble, which is made of oneness and continuity. This design theme not only illustrates the continuity of past, current, and future generations of Penn State veterans but also shows the unwavering commitment of their services to national security.
Moreover, colours and materials contribute to the depth of the symbols through their use. The rocking stone wall featuring its lasting properties is the symbol of those Penn State veterans’ resilience and strength. The “pebbling water” effect was used to finish the surface of the shield, adding a feature of serenity and calmness that reflects the selfless services and dedication of those who served our nation. In addition, the inscriptions in the monument as well act as a primary agent in the communication of the symbolism. Adding the Greek phrase, “With it or on it,” calls upon the ancient rules of valour and duty, with the emphasis being on the courage and commitment of Penn State vets (Waldhier, 2012). These inscriptions are reminders of the course they fought and what values they upheld in those things. This ensures the visitors to ponder about the significance of their sacrifice.
Lastly, other symbolic devices, like the placement of the monument within the campus scenery and the closeness to other landmarks, deal with the significance of this symbolic object. Its place at the junction of Polock Road and the Hendersen Mall ensures high visibility and accessibility, and, as a result, the centre becomes the main point of the campus community. This placement stands as the symbol of the university’s tradition of paying a debt of gratitude to veterans and builds an atmosphere of unification and togetherness.
The attraction of Penn State University’s University Park Campus Veterans Plaza Memorial engages the audience not only on a symbolic level but also on a material one (Edwards & Winkler, 1997). Every detail is important for providing an engaging and immersive environment for the visitors. Firstly, the unparalleled location of the memorial on campus elevates its appeal to its highest level. Positioned on the corner of Pollock Road and the Henderson Mall, the installation is thus situated in a prime location for maximum visibility and accessibility. Its position in the centre of the campus makes it a place for reflection and a landmark, attracting students, faculty, and visitors to join in the remembrance and gratitude ceremonies. Furthermore, the memorial is near other campus sites, such that it adds to the camaraderie and connectivity, reinforcing how the college honours past heroes.
In addition to this, the size and design of pathways and seating create a sense of intimacy and foster reflection within the memorial site. The spacious part of the memorial also promotes free movement and stimulates the visitors to appreciate the site without being rushed. The consideration of seating arrangement contributes to the emergence of attractive places for recreation and self-reflection, thus creating the necessary atmosphere for a contemplative interaction with the memorial’s message. Moreover, the ambient setting around the memorial enhances the area’s attractiveness. The nice remote setting of this park, with its rolling prairies, pond, and forests, will offer visitors an amazing environment for reflection and self-awareness. Elements of nature induce tranquillity and calm, contributing to an environment that is favourable to contemplation and mourning.
Lastly, the material properties of the memorial, i.e. size, colour, and layout, among others, add to its aesthetic value and convey the message in the most effective way possible. The use of natural materials, including stone and mirrors, creates a three-dimensional character in the memorial, and the colour scheme expresses reverence and seriousness. The layout of the walkway and seating brings interaction among people, strengthening feelings of commonness and unity.
Absolutely, I find the Veterans Memorial Plaza at the University Park Campus of Penn State University persuasive for the following reasons. First, its symbolic elements, including size, shape, colour, inscriptions and other elements, represent a powerful message of remembrance and gratitude to Penn State vets. The decisions made consciously regarding the design of the memorial and the appropriate placement within the campus landscape are the causes of its visual impact and importance. In addition, the physical qualities of the memorial, such as its location, size, kind of pathways and seats, surrounding environment, and the closeness to other buildings and landmarks, also give it its beauty and provide visitors with a very experiential and immersive encounter. The careful placement of the memorial on tourist paths accomplishes the goal of visibility and easy access along with a tranquil setting and carefully made design elements facilitating contemplation and reflection.
In summation, the Penn State University’s University Park Campus Veterans Plaza Memorial is a powerful symbol of the dedication and valour of the Penn State University veterans. By merging symbolic as well as material features, the memorial becomes a place of tribute and respect to those who have given their lives for their country, creating a space for the visitors to contemplate all these sacrifices. Through its strategic location, painstaking design, and soothing ambience, the memorial creates an engrossing environment that fosters a community and memorializing spirit on campus, thus keeping the legacy of Penn State veterans alive forever.
References
CAS 311 Monuments and Memories Spring 2024
CAS 411 Rhetorical Landscapes Spring 2024
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Waldhier, L. S. (2012, September 10). Penn State Veterans Plaza, 2011 class Gift, to be dedicated September 14. Penn State University. https://www.psu.edu/news/university-park/story/penn-state-veterans-plaza-2011-class-gift-be-dedicated-sept-14/
Zagacki, K. S., & Gallagher, V. J. (2018). Rhetoric and materiality in the museum park at the North Carolina Museum of Art. In Readings in Rhetorical Fieldwork (pp. 81-98). Routledge.
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